By Peter Omopo
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 177 deaths from Lassa fever between January and early November 2025, signalling a rise in the severity of the disease compared to previous years.
According to the agency’s latest epidemiological update released on Thursday, Nigeria has confirmed 966 infections across 21 states and 102 Local Government Areas as of epidemiological Week 44, which ended on November 2.
The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has climbed to 18.3 per cent — a significant increase from the 16.5 per cent reported during the same period in 2024. Health experts say the rise underscores the need for intensified surveillance and early treatment to curb fatalities.
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic illness caused by the Lassa virus. The World Health Organisation explains that the disease is primarily spread through contact with food or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected Mastomys rats. It is endemic in several West African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone and Togo.
The NCDC report shows that infections rose slightly in Week 44, with 12 new confirmed cases, up from 11 the previous week. Ondo, Edo and Benue states accounted for the fresh cases.
So far in 2025, four states — Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Taraba — have contributed 87 per cent of all confirmed infections. Ondo State alone accounts for 36 per cent, followed by Bauchi (21 per cent), Edo (17 per cent) and Taraba (13 per cent). The remaining 13 per cent of cases were recorded across 17 other states.
The most affected age group remains adults between 21 and 30 years. Patients range from one to 96 years old, with a median age of 30. The male-to-female ratio for confirmed infections stands at 1:0.8. The NCDC also noted that suspected and confirmed cases this year remain lower than figures reported during the same period in 2024.
The agency confirmed that no new healthcare worker infection was recorded in Week 44.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with one of its most persistent infectious diseases, the national multi-partner, multi-sectoral Lassa Fever Technical Working Group is coordinating response efforts at federal, state and community levels.
The NCDC urged the public to adopt preventive measures, including proper food storage, maintaining clean environments, and seeking early medical attention when symptoms arise.
